Discover the Via degli Abati, a fascinating historical and spiritual route connecting Bobbio to Pavia. Follow the ancient Via Francigena di Montagna, among breathtaking Apennine landscapes and historic villages, following in the footsteps of Saint Columbanus.
The Via degli Abati, also known as Via Francigena di Montagna, is a fascinating hiking route that crosses the northern Apennines, combining history, nature and spirituality. Used since the 7th century by the monks of the abbey of San Colombano di Bobbio, this route connected the city of Bobbio to Rome, passing through Lucca. Today, rediscovered and enhanced, the Via degli Abati offers a path rich in history, suitable for both trekking enthusiasts and modern pilgrims.
History and Significance of the Via degli Abati
Since the Middle Ages, the Via degli Abati has been an important pilgrimage route, especially for Irish pilgrims on their way to Rome. They stopped at the tomb of Saint Columbanus, the founder of the Abbey of Bobbio, one of the main cultural and religious centres in northern Italy. The mountain route, considered a more arduous alternative to the main Via Francigena, crossed the Apennine mountains, offering a direct connection between Pavia and Rome, via Bobbio and Lucca.
The stretch between Pavia and Bobbio not only served as a communication route between the capital of Italy and Bobbio, but was also an important cultural and religious artery. Thanks to its strategic location, Bobbio became a hub of monastic culture and a centre of knowledge dissemination in the Middle Ages.
The Rediscovery of the Via degli Abati
The rediscovery of the Via degli Abati came about in the 1990s thanks to the initiative of Giovanni Magistretti, an executive from Piacenza, who passionately revived this ancient path. Thanks to his commitment and collaboration with various associations, the route was integrated into the Network of Francigena Routes, now offering pilgrims the chance to retrace a millenary itinerary, following in the footsteps of medieval monks and pilgrims.
The route from Bobbio to Pavia
The current route of the Via degli Abati stretches 68 km from Bobbio to Pavia through theOltrepò Pavese, a region known for its natural beauty and historic villages. The route starts from the Abbey of San Colombano in Bobbio, and winds its way through points of great scenic and cultural interest, such as the Giardino di Pietra Corva in Romagnese, passing through picturesque localities such as Praticchia di Pecorara, Caminata, Ruino, Canevino, and finally arriving in Pavia, crossing the Ponte della Becca.
Each stage of the walk offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in nature and discover ancient paths, crossing woods, vineyards and mountains that blend harmoniously with the history and culture of the area.
The Procession of St Columba: A Historical Event
One of the most significant episodes linked to the Via degli Abati dates back to the year 929, when Abbot Gerlanno of Bobbio carried the relics of St. Columbanus in procession from Bobbio to Pavia. The purpose of the procession was to ask the king‘s protection for the abbey‘s possessions, which were threatened by pressure from local noble families. The journey of St Columba‘s relics crossed the Versa Valley, passing through villages such as Zavattarello and Canevino, until they reached Pavia, then capital of the Kingdom of Italy. This event not only marked the religious history of the area, but also highlighted the political and symbolic value of the Via degli Abati.
A Path Between Nature and Spirituality
Today, the Via degli Abati is much more than a hiking route: it is a path that combines nature, history and spirituality, offering a unique opportunity to rediscover the historical roots of Christian Europe and immerse oneself in an authentic experience. Travelling along this ancient path, travellers can relive the history of medieval monks and pilgrims, while discovering the unspoilt beauty of the Apennines and the historic villages along the way.
The Via degli Abati represents a physical and spiritual challenge, but also an opportunity for deep connection with the territory, the past and oneself. With its varied and fascinating landscape, the Via is perfect for those seeking a walk immersed in the green, far from the frenetic pace of modern life, but rich in historical and cultural suggestions.
Conclusion
The Via degli Abati is a millenary path that continues to inspire travellers and pilgrims from every era. Rediscovering it today means not only following an itinerary rich in history and religiousness, but also immersing oneself in a unique trekking experience where nature and culture blend harmoniously. An ideal route for those who wish to explore the wonders of the Apennines and rediscover their spirituality along an itinerary that has marked the history of medieval Italy.
